Open call: Art Passage’s Exhibition Window
Aarhus Visual Arts Centre and the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts invite professional artists to develop projects for the Art Passe Exhibition Space, exhibition programme for 2027. Space is a new platform for art in public spaces at Sydhavnen in Aarhus. Integrated in the passage and a wall decoration created in a close collaboration between visual artist Matilde Duus and Schmidt, Hammer Lassen Architects, you will meet the showcase when you arrive at Sydhavnskvarteret from the west. In the same passage there is the entrance to a hotel.
The Art Passor’s Exhibition Space is part of a comprehensive program for temporary art in Sydhavnen, which also includes a platform for sound art. The program brings contemporary art into play as a co-creator of a new urban neighborhood. In 2027, the program focuses on the city as a living, collective organism. It glances at the city as more than just physical spaces, buildings and infrastructures.
We are looking for suggestions from artists who want to work with the special leg clamps that come with the platform’s location in the urban space. The passage, and the life that unfolds in and around the passage, becomes the immediate context in which the art project resonates and coexist. Conversely, the program is very free to work with different formats.
About Sydhavnen
Sydhavnen is a former industrial area on Aarhus waterfront, which has now been transformed into a new urban district. The new South Harbour combines business, education and producing culture and art. Until the 1990’s, Sydhavnen was the place for energy production. The district is thus closely interwoven together with Aarhus’ development into modern metropolis. After the relocation of electricity and heat production, the area has attracted artists and creative actors, and has also become a place of belonging for socially vulnerable citizens. At Sydhavnen there is still industry in the form of AAK, formerly Aarhus Oil Mill, which since the late 1800s has produced vegetable oil.
Technical description of the platform
The exhibition space measures 2x2x1.5 m and is designed as a white cube and can be viewed from the Art Pass. The room can be accessed by the exhibiting artists from the back. The room is integrated into a glass wall, which constitutes an architectural and artistic wall decoration along one side of the passage. Currently, the passage is under construction and is expected to be completed in June 2026.
Who can apply?
All professional artists with an interest in site-specific practice and the public urban space.
Application
The application should include:
A motivation for why you would like to develop a project for this place. Preferably focusing on how you want to relate to the urban context. (max 1 A4 page). No completed project proposals are expected.
Max 3 examples of relevant works
A short CV (max 1 A4 per artist)
All the material must be sent as one pdf. to this address: project coordinator@aabkc.dk
Application deadline: Wednesday 15.4 p.m. 12.00 Danish time.
Applicants can expect answers at the start of May.
Terms
There will be an exhibition fee of 25000 DKK (about 3330€) per selected project. Any participation in public events will be paid as an additional fee. The artists can apply for means of production themselves. Aarhus Visual Arts Centre can offer assistance to the application process for production support. Aarhus Visual Arts Centre is looking for funds to cover additional exhibition expenses.
Selection process
A jury consisting of art representatives from Aarhus Visual Arts Centre and the Jutland Academy of Fine Arts selects projects for 2027.
Institutional anchoring
The exhibition programme for 2027 is anchored in Aarhus Visual Arts Centre and co-curated by Sound Art Lab, Struer, as well as the Jutland Academy of Fine Arts. The City Life Association Together for Sydhavnen supports the project.
Questions can be directed to: project coordinator@aabkc.dk
deadline: Wednesday 15.4.2026 p.m. 12.00 Danish time
more info (in Danish, use translate): https://aabkc.dk/begivenhed/open-call-kunstpassagens-udstillingsvindue
